Be careful what you shareIf you wouldn't want your teachers or parents to see it, it's probably best not to post it. Because once it's online, it's out of your control

Don't meet people you don't knowEven if you get on with them online, you never know who they really are

Use a complex passwordIt should be hard for other people to guess your password and it's a good idea to change it regularly.

Keeping your device safe

Use anti-virus softwareYou can get anti-virus software for mobiles as well as tablets, laptops and PCs. Make sure that you keep it updated.

Check a website is secureBefore entering private information such as passwords or payment details, look for the padlock symbol after the web address or 'https' in front of the web address in your browser.

Think before you clickIf you receive an email from a stranger, think before clicking on a link or an attachment - it could contain a virus.

Cover your webcamIf you're not using your webcam:

unplug it

cover the lens

point it at a blank wall.

Check your privacy settingsYou can use privacy settings to control who sees your information. Instructions on how to do this depend on what websites and social networking sites you're using. For more information take a look at our bullying on social networks page.

Online communities

Online communities can be great for getting help with lots of different things. But sometimes it’s hard to know if an online community is making things better or worse.

Sometimes people go on websites which promote anorexia, bulimia or self-harm. This could be because they feel people in their life don’t understand what they’re going through.

However, harmful online communities can change the way you see life – even if you don’t want that to happen. It can also trigger thoughts and emotions. For example, looking at a ‘pro-ana’ website might make people think they are overweight (even if they're a good, healthy weight) and may make them want to try to eat less.

Ask yourself: “is a community really trying to help me or is it making things worse?” If you’re part of an online community that is negative or harmful, it is okay to leave. You have control over the websites you visit. Don’t feel guilty about going to a more positive community instead. You could try our message boards, where young people talk about their experiences and support each other with what they’re going through.

getting help with online bullying

You may come across things that are upsetting or shocking online. Or people who want to bully you online or treat you badly.

This could include someone:

saying nasty things or harassing you

posting videos of bullying

sending abusive or threatening messages

sharing personal or embarrassing information.

It can be difficult to know how to respond when someone bullies you online. But there are things you can do.

It’s not okay for someone to bully you online. But talking about it can help. Speak to an adult you trust, like a parent, carer or teacher to give you more confidence on ways to deal with the bullying and feel better.

Being bullied online can make you feel upset and it can affect your confidence. Some young people struggle to cope after the bullying has stopped. But you’re not alone. Why not look at our advice on building confidence after online bullying.

If you’re upset, you could try:

taking some time away from the site or game where people have been upsetting you

letting out how you’re feeling by using our Art Box, talking to someone you trust or doing a hobby you enjoy

talking about what’s happening with other young people on our message boards.